The public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said Wednesday they are prepared to offer booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose.
The health officials said they have developed a plan to begin offering these booster shots this fall subject to FDA conducting an independent evaluation and determination of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issuing booster dose recommendations based on a thorough review of the evidence.
“Our top priority remains to stay ahead of the virus and protecting the American people from COVID-19 with safe, effective, and long-lasting vaccines,” the agencies said in a joint statement.
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The booster will be available only to those who have received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Officials said, however, that they also expect to make available a booster for the Johnson & Johnson shot.
Booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose
-US Medical Officials
“Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout, “the agency said. “For that reason, we conclude that a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability.”
Health officials emphasized that the vaccines continue to prove to be “remarkably effective” in avoiding severe COVID-19, hospitalization and death.
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